Job Title: Immigration Interpreter
Location
United States (On-site, Remote, or Hybrid depending on appointment type)
Position Type
Contract / Freelance / Part-Time (appointment-based)
Overview
We are seeking a qualified Immigration Interpreter to provide accurate, confidential, and impartial interpretation services for individuals participating in a wide range of U.S. immigration-related appointments and proceedings. The interpreter supports clear communication between Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals and attorneys, accredited representatives, government officials, and service providers.
Appointments May Include
- USCIS interviews (including Adjustment of Status, Naturalization, and other benefits)
- Immigration attorney or legal clinic consultations
- Case preparation and document review meetings
- Immigration medical exam appointments (interpretation only)
- Asylum-related interviews or screenings
- Biometrics or follow-up immigration appointments
- Community-based immigration services and nonprofit consultations
Key Responsibilities
- Provide accurate, complete, and impartial interpretation between clients and immigration professionals
- Interpret primarily in consecutive mode, with sight translation when required
- Accurately convey immigration-related terminology without omissions, additions, or explanations
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all personal and case-related information
- Adhere to professional interpreter ethics and role boundaries at all times
- Refrain from offering legal advice, personal opinions, or form-filling assistance
- Support clear, respectful, and culturally appropriate communication
- Remain punctual, prepared, and professional for all scheduled appointments
Required Qualifications
- Fluency in English and at least one additional language (spoken and comprehension proficiency required)
- Experience in immigration, legal, or community interpreting
- Familiarity with common U.S. immigration terminology and procedures
- Strong listening, memory, and note-taking skills
- Ability to work effectively in sensitive, high-stakes, or emotionally charged situations
- Legal authorization to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
- Formal interpreter training (legal or community interpreting preferred)
- Prior experience interpreting for USCIS, immigration law firms, or nonprofit immigration organizations
- Certification in legal, community, or court interpreting (where applicable)
- Experience with remote interpreting platforms (Zoom, phone-based interpreting, etc.)
- Cultural competency related to immigrant and refugee communities
Work Environment
- Assignments may be on-site (law offices, USCIS offices, clinics) or remote
- Most appointments occur during weekday business hours, with occasional evenings depending on client needs
Compensation
- Competitive hourly or appointment-based rates, depending on language pair, experience, certification, and complexity of assignment
Important Role Clarification
The Immigration Interpreter’s role is strictly to facilitate communication. Interpreters do not provide legal advice, complete immigration forms independently, or represent clients before government agencies.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
